Comic Book Review: ‘Ultimate Comics Spider-Man’ #8

In Paris, Aunt May and Gwen Stacey are relaxing and enjoying coffee, when May spots a newspaper headline touting the appearance of a new Spider-Man. The two women exchanged worried stares.

Back in New York, Miles’ uncle Aaron, also known as the criminal The Prowler, confronts Miles at his school. Miles sends his best friend Ganke away for safety. Aaron tells Miles that he knows he’s the new Spider-Man, because he saw him get bitten and now knows that the spider was from Norman Osborn’s facility and as is common knowledge now, that’s how Peter Parker gained his powers. Aaron has a plan, but is interrupted and escorted off the premises by the faculty.

Elsewhere, police Captain Quaid refuses to acknowledge that there is a new Spider-Man, before questioning The Kangaroo, Frank Oliver.

The Scorpion has come to New York in pursuit of Aaron who attempted to rip him off in issue #6. He bloodily interrupts a poker game between a bunch of crooks, swinging a huge, nasty-looking hook on a chain. At first, he just tries to gain information on The Prowler’s whereabouts, but then he realizes how disorganized the crime syndicate is there and appoints himself as New York’s new kingpin.

Miles is traumatized by his encounter with his uncle and seems dazed the following week. Ganke is worried about his friend. Finally, Miles puts on his Spider-Man costume and goes out to clear his head and get some air. Unfortunately, his luck is as sterling as Peter Parker’s was and he finds himself in a super brawl with The Ringer. (He shoots metal rings, somehow.) Despite getting ensnared in his rings, Miles takes down the villain. But he is then confronted by Captain Quaid who demands information.

The crux of this issue is Aaron’s revelation that he knows Miles is Spider-Man. It’s one of those moments, like getting caught lying, where you know there’s no way back now. You’re kind of screwed and Miles certainly is at this point. With the knowledge he possesses, Aaron could blackmail Miles into doing anything he says, for fear of harm to his parents! This is a no-win situation and though Miles as a protagonist will surely come out on top, it’s sure to come at a steep price. (But Aaron is so scummy, I wouldn’t mind if they just killed him off.)

The Scorpion’s development is sure to pay off in upcoming issues and I’m sure Captain Quaid will end up being a major supporting character, but for me, the other real highlight of this issue, was May and Gwen’s inclusion. Though this book is a relaunch, with an all new lead character, it’s very nice that writer, Brian Michael Bendis is hanging on to Peter Parker’s supporting cast and hopefully they will become part of Miles’ as well.

Jason Motes

Jason's earliest memory is of watching 'Batman,' followed shortly by a memory of playing Batman & Robin with a friend, which entailed running outside in just their underwear and towels as capes. When adults told them they couldn't run around outside in their underwear, both boys promptly whipped theirs off and ran around in just capes. Jason's father gamely agreed to read him comic books as bedtime stories instead of 'Snow White.' (Super Friends being his favorite.) Jason saw all of the original Star Wars movies (and Indiana Jones and Superman and Star Trek...) in the theaters. Yes, he is old. And grew up in the most GEEKTASTIC decade ever, the 80s, devouring a steady diet of GI Joe, Transformers, Masters of the Universe, Princess of Power and (best of all) Jem! (It totally counts as sci fi! They had a sentient computer that projected holograms!) Jason has studied literature, journalism, film history and has a degree in creative writing (and a minor in psychology) from the University of South Alabama. He has worked as a technical writer and proofreader. These days, most of his creative energy goes into his blog and writing for this site! He lives with the cutest puppies ever.

LOVE Sara Pichelli’s art on the issues before the guest artist came on a few issues back. the art in this issue (8) is no where as good as issues 1-6. i didnt end up picking up issue 7 or 8. if issue 9 looks as good as the earlier stuff ill be back to buying it. Love the story and normally the art too, but i couldnt drop my cash on this isssue.So i had to disagree with the verdict, but maybe thats just me.

JasonMBowles

You know… I see your point. The art on the first arc was a little more innovative. There was more experimentation. But it’s still solid! Definitely above average, in my opinion.